Ysleta ISD names 2026-27 teachers, support employee of the year

KVIA on May 19, 2026

Mia Okubo

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Ysleta Independent School District announced Angelica Castaneda, from Loma Terrace Elementary School, as the district’s 2026-27 Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

YISD said Castaneda will compete in the upcoming regional Teacher of the Year contest with Ysleta High School educator Jacob Pineda, the district’s 2026-27 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Castaneda found her passion for teaching as a student at the district itself. She has been a part of the district since attending Ysleta Pre-K Center, YISD said. She is now in her fifth year as a Specialized Support and Resource teacher.

Pineda is known as a high school English teacher and coach. For a decade, he coached cross country, track and field and football while building a classroom with a positive. He is known to build up and empower his students.

In addition, physical education aide Briana Berry from Scottsdale Elementary School is the 2026-27 Support Employee of the Year. Berry is recognized for positive nurturing as a P.E. aide, where she guided students health habits and motivated physical activity.

Angelica Castaneda (Courtesy: YISD)

Jacob Pineda (Courtesy: YISD)

Briana Berry(Courtesy: YISD)

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Host families needed for Idaho International Choral Festival in July

KIFI on May 19, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Calling all families willing to open their home in Pocatello. The Idaho International Choral Festival is urgently searching for 100 host families in Pocatello this July to house international students participating in the event.

So far, only 20 families have signed up, creating a significant need for community support.

The Idaho International Choral Festival takes place every three years, bringing together various cultures through music. The festival relies on these host families to provide accommodation and an introduction to American culture for students coming from across the globe.

The goal is to connect students from around the world with local families, fostering cultural exchange as guests learn about American culture and hosts learn about other cultures.

As a host family, participants are asked to provide specific accommodations for their international guests, including:

Breakfast

Morning and Evening transportation for 2-4 international guests

Beds

Access to bathroom facilities

In return for their support, host families will receive free concert tickets. This allows them to attend performances and show support for the international guests they are hosting.

For more information or to apply to be a host family, click HERE.

Editor’s Note: This story was originally reported by a Local News 8 reporter and re-formatted for digital platforms with AI assistance. Local News 8 verifies all reporting for fairness and accuracy.”

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Columbia man accused of leaving corpse in room for ‘weeks’

KMIZ on May 19, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged Monday with abandoning a corpse after allegedly leaving his roommate’s body in an apartment for what police say could have been weeks.

Ira C. Baldwin was issued a summons for the Class E felony and released, according to online court records. An initial hearing is set for June.

Police went to Baldwin’s apartment at 2012 W. Ash St. on a check welfare call on March 24 and found his roommate’s body severely decomposed, according to a probable cause statement. Baldwin’s roommate had apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the statement says.

The victim’s death was estimated at 10 days to three weeks prior.

Baldwin allegedly told police he had last seen his roommate in late January. He said he was scared to go into the room and felt “relief” when police came to the door, according to the statement.

Baldwin also told police that he and his roommate had lived together for four years, the statement says.

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Fire weather alerts raise concerns across the Borderland

KVIA on May 19, 2026

Ilyhanee Robles

EL PASO (KVIA) — Strong winds, dry vegetation, and low humidity are creating dangerous fire weather conditions across the Borderland, prompting warnings from meteorologists and fire officials as wildfire season intensifies in Texas and New Mexico.

Fire weather alerts have been issued across the region in recent days as conditions make it easier for fires to ignite and spread quickly.

Experts said the combination of gusty winds, hot temperatures, and extremely dry brush can turn even a small spark into a fast-moving wildfire.

Officials warn that common activities — including fireworks, dragging chains from vehicles, outdoor grilling, or improperly discarded cigarettes — can become dangerous during fire weather conditions.

The concern comes as several fires have recently burned across parts of Texas and New Mexico, while local crews continue preparing for peak wildfire season ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

Meteorologists explain that low humidity dries out vegetation, turning grasses and brush into fuel. Strong Borderland winds can then rapidly push flames across open desert terrain.

Fire departments across the region are also reminding residents to stay alert and report smoke or flames immediately.

Crews said preparation is critical this time of year, especially in areas near dry brush and desert landscapes.

Officials encourage residents to avoid activities that could create sparks during fire weather alerts and to remain aware of changing weather conditions throughout the week.

The National Weather Service and local fire departments continue monitoring conditions closely as dry and windy weather persists across the Borderland.

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Man sentenced to 35 years in prison for 2022 murder in Socorro

KVIA on May 19, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for a deadly shooting in a case that had been pending for more than four years. The 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday Carlos Sifuentes was 18 years old at the time of the shooting in 2022.

The district attorney’s office said Sifuentes pleaded guilty for shooting and killing 43-year-old Jade Ruiz in her Socorro home on Feb. 2022.

Evidence showed Sifuentes planned to rob Ruiz’ son and was interrupted when she came to the back door of her home. He shot her once, the district attorney’s office said.

“Jade Ruiz’s family has waited years for justice. We are grateful to the prosecutors andinvestigators who stayed with this case until it was resolved,” District Attorney James Montoyasaid. “This conviction reflects our Office’s continued commitment to holding violent offendersaccountable, no matter how long it takes.”

The district attorney’s office said the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit investigated the case.

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Volunteers shatter ‘America250 in Idaho Service Challenge’ with 250,000 acts of kindness

KIFI on May 19, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — In a massive wave of community action ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday, Idahoans have officially dominated the America250 in Idaho Service Challenge. The event organizers announced Tuesday that Idaho volunteers have cleared the 250,000-act milestone, touting a historic showing from the Idaho Falls community, which contributed nearly 100,000 acts of service alone.

The initiative, launched by the America250 in Idaho Ambassadors, challenged residents across the Gem State to give back to their communities and log their impact at IdahoKindness.com. Since January, volunteers of all ages have mobilized to launch food drives, school projects, neighborhood cleanups, and veteran support networks.

Jessica Cooper Whiting, Co-Chair of the State Service Committee, described the achievement as a “renewal of our promise to one another.”

“When we look past the numbers, we see a movement that strengthened communities across Idaho and created a legacy of service that will outlast this celebration,” said Jessica Cooper Whiting.

The massive effort to meet the goal spanned the entire state. More than 45 statewide organizations, across 166 Idaho cities, partnered in the effort.

“This was never just about reaching a number,” said Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth. “It was about bringing Idahoans together, inspiring future generations, and showing the country what’s possible when kindness becomes a movement.”

To honor the volunteers, schools, and civic organizations driving the historic effort, the America250 in Idaho Ambassadors are currently planning regional celebration events across the state to formally recognize the individuals who stepped up.

While the goal has been met, organizers emphasize that the work isn’t stopping. The America250 in Idaho “Year of Volunteerism” will continue pushing forward. For more information, or to get involved, click HERE.

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Chase leads to discovery of illegal guns, youth arrests in Las Cruces

KVIA on May 19, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The Las Cruces Police Department posted a Facebook video Tuesday showing officers arresting and taking illegal guns from suspects 21 years old and younger.

According to the post, on May 9, officers found a car that drove away from police just after 3 a.m. Police said the car didn’t have headlights on and drove at a high speed.

Police said suspects abandoned the car and ran away. They tracked the suspects and found them at an apartment complex on Solano Drive.

The chase led to officers taking several illegal guns, ammunition and AR-style magazines pictured below:

Courtesy: LCPD

Courtesy: LCPD

Police said the case involved suspects 21 and younger, some of which were convicted felons.

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Spray parks, pool hours for Memorial Day Weekend in the Borderland

KVIA on May 19, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

(KVIA) — Spray parks and pools are set to welcome Borderland residents for Memorial Day Weekend. The City of El Paso said the holiday weekend will kick off the season for all city spray parks. There are also several pools opening for the weekend in Las Cruces.

Pools in El Paso County

El Paso County said the following pools will open for the weekend:

Ascarate Aquatic Center, 6900 Delta Dr.

Adult admission costs $3; youth admission costs $2

Canutillo Pool, 7351 Bosque Rd. in Canutillo

Adult admission costs $2; youth admission costs $1

Fabens Veterans Pool, 526 NE G Ave. in Fabens

Adult admission costs $2; youth admission costs $1

Spray parks in El Paso

According to the City of El Paso, there are nine city-operated spray parks and two splash pads opening this weekend:

Chamizal Community Center, 2119 Cypress Ave.

Sue Young Park, 9730 Diana Dr.

Hidden Valley Spray Park, 200 Coconut Tree Ln.

Grandview Spray Park, 3100 Jefferson Ave.

Pavo Real Enhanced Spray Park, 9301 Alameda Ave.

Westside Community Park, 7400 High Ridge Dr.

Marty Robbins Park, 11600 Vista Del Sol Dr.

Braden Aboud Memorial Park, 4325 River Bend Dr.

Salvador Rivas Jr. Park, 12480 Pebble Hills Blvd.

San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W Mills Ave. (splash pad)

El Paso Zoo Hunt Family Desert Springs, 4001 E. Paisano Dr. (splash pad)

Pavo Real Aquatic Center, 9301 Alameda Ave. (pool opens May 23 at noon)

Aquatic centers in Las Cruces

The City of Las Cruces said its aquatics facilities will have open swim sessions on these days and times:

East Mesa Bataan Memorial Pool, 6141 Reynolds Dr.

Saturday-Monday from noon-3 p.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Laabs Pool, 701 W. Picacho Ave.

Sunday-Monday from noon-3 p.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E Hadley Ave.

Saturday: Fitness swim from 7:30-11:30 a.m. and open swim sessions from noon-3 p.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Sunday: Open swim sessions from noon-3 p.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Monday: Fitness swim from 7:30-11:30 a.m. and open swim sessions from noon-3 p.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Las Cruces Natatorium, 1405 E. Hadley Ave.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 6-11 a.m.

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Rashee Rice jailed after violating probation

KMIZ on May 19, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was jailed in Texas on Tuesday after violating the terms of his probation.

Rice was booked into the Dallas County Jail just after noon local time Tuesday, according to online jail records.

An order from a Dallas County judge says Rice is to serve 30 days in jail after violating his probation by testing positive for THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. He is set to be released June 16.

Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies in a 2024 crash — collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury — and was sentenced to five years of probation.

Rice grew up in Texas and played college football there. The Chiefs selected him in the 2023 NFL draft.

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Bench trial scheduled for Gary Pinkel’s driver’s license lawsuit

KMIZ on May 19, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A bench trial has been scheduled for late next month in Gary Pinkel’s attempt to keep his driver’s license.

The former Mizzou football head coach filed a lawsuit last year to keep his license after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Pinkel allegedly refused to take a breath test at the scene. Criminal charges have not appeared on Casenet.

A bench trial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, June 29 at the Camden County Courthouse, according to court filings.

The petition in the lawsuit alleges that Pinkel was “not legally arrested or stopped” and that the trooper did “not have reasonable grounds to believe that Petitioner was driving a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated” and that Pinkel refused the test under Missouri’s Implied Consent law, previous reporting shows.

Pinkel was MU’s head coach from 2001-15.  Pinkel previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DWI in 2011 in Boone County. He was sentenced to two years of probation and completed the sentence.

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